Background Appendicitis is a common condition which represents a significant resource burden for the Scottish National Health Service (NHS). It is unknown whether there are significant differences in Scottish appendicectomy (appendectomy) outcomes which may be explained by hospital volume. In many studies, hospital procedural volume has been shown to be predictive of surgical outcomes. Aims The aim of this study is to compare appendicectomy outcomes in Scotland as they vary by hospital procedural volume. Methods This research study is a retrospective observational enquiry which will utilise administrative data from the Information Services Division (ISD) of NHS National Services Scotland. Patient episodes will be identified by a procedure codes for appendicectomy. A 10 year period will be studied, from January 2001 to December 2010. Primary outcome measures will be risk-adjusted 30 day/inpatient mortality, 30 day readmission rate, 30 day re-operation rate, length of stay and negative appendicectomy rate.
See this in plain English?
AI-rewrites the medical criteria so a patient or caregiver can understand them. Always confirm with the trial site.
Post-operative length of stay
Timeframe: From date of appendicectomy to date of discharge (whole days) - see below
Re-operation
Timeframe: Within the index admission or within 30 days of discharge
Re-admission
Timeframe: Within 30 days of index discharge
Mortality
Timeframe: Either within 30 days of procedure, or during continuous in-patient stay
Negative Appendicectomy Rate
Timeframe: At time of index procedure